GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas — Prep work is underway on the Rand Memorial Hospital grounds for the installation of two large hurricane-rated modular units which are expected to be erected shortly.

Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville making the revelation during the Annual Christmas visit of Governor-General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Sir Cornelius A. Smith at Grand Bahama Health Services on December 9, 2022.

The two units will help to alleviate many of the challenges being faced at the Accident and Emergency Department.

“We have been listening, we have been watching social media. We have heard the cries of the residents of Grand Bahama and as we look at the entrance of the accident and Emergency -- it has been a difficult time -- in order to provide the essential services that have been disrupted as a result of the COVID protocols,” Dr. Darville said.

“I am so happy that we moved swiftly and we purchased these hurricane-resistant modules to bring relief to those who are in desperate need of emergency care and to be able to provide better quality service for the residents of Grand Bahama who truly deserve better.”

The units will facilitate and support the rehabilitative services presently being accommodated at the Sir Charles Hayward Library and house 18 additional beds for the Emergency Room in order to rectify the backlog that currently exists in that department.

As a result, Minister Darville said, the waiting area of the A&E and Urgent Care will be able to return to normal function to ensure that our patients and their families get the quality of care they truly deserve.

Dr. Darville further revealed that an appointment scheduling system was implemented at the Freeport Community Clinic in the IAT Building and at the Pierce Plaza location in early October has resulted in improved patient care in the delivery of outpatient-specialty services.

Additionally, the Non-communicable Diseases and General Practice Clinic remains operational, inclusive of walk-ins, however, the appointment systems is designed to improve the delivery of the specialty clinics at both facilities.

Construction work for the renovation of the morgue at the Rand Memorial Hospital is also on the way, Minister Darville added.

“This essential upgrade will allow for us to be efficient in providing the essential services and to conduct the necessary autopsies while improving the working environment for our staff and more particularly for the residents of Grand Bahama who have to come to our institution to view or to identify the remains of their loved ones,” he said.

“I’m excited because we are also expanding space at our corridor expansion where doctors on-call and switch board operators will have access to accommodation that is so badly needed at this facility.”

Dr. Darville noted that all of the projects mentioned are on schedule and the work is expected to be completed in early 2023.

He also commended the hospital management team for the reinstatement and utilization of the main lobby of the hospital to support the provision of waiting spaces and to provide access to the Out-Patient Pharmacy.

The hospital food service department is improving, he noted, while pointing out the addition of new chefs, which, he believes, will boost the morale of both the patients and staff while feasting on great tasting food.

Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, announces that preparation work is underway on the grounds of the Rand Memorial Hospital for two hurricane-rated modular units to be used to facilitate rehabilitative services and the Emergency Room.   

(BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)